Electrical Safety Foundation International launches campaign to “decode” the National Electrical Code

Electric Safety Foundation International (ESFI) joined with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) to launch their annual Electrical Safety Month campaign, which seeks to increase understanding of the National Electrical Code (NEC) as this year’s theme.

The “Decoding the National Electrical Code to Prevent Shock and Electrocution” initiative will include resources to help protect against common electrical dangers that can cause fatalities, injuries and property loss.

“The NEC is updated every three years to include the latest in proven safety technology, and the NECA is committed to educating the public about the important upgrades that can help prevent shock and electrocution,” NECA Director of Safety Wes Wheeler said. “This year’s resources focus on common hazards including non-safeguarded electrical outlets and other hazards such as electric shock drowning.”

Every year, approximately 2,400 children suffer severe shock and burns from sticking items into electrical receptacles, and an estimated average of 70 electrocution fatalities are associated with consumer products each year. Another common hazard addressed by the program is electric shock drowning that occurs in marinas and swimming pools.

Other National Electrical Safety Month content provides information on the importance of the NEC, home surge protection and ground fault circuit interrupter technology requirements and testing instructions for these technologies.